Coverage of Russell Pearce recall election

When Gov. Jan Brewer formally ordered a recall election for Republican Senate President Russell Pearce on Nov. 8, voters in Pearce's Mesa district became a part of state history: This will be the first recall election of a sitting legislator in Arizona's almost 100 years as a state.

The road to the election has already been filled with legal challenges, campaign sign allegations, and overall political accusations.

Here is where you can stay updated on the election coverage and learn about the candidates involved. Click on "next" to progress through this page, or use the navigation links above.

Russell Pearce

Even before SB 1070, Pearce had become one of the most polarizing political figures in Arizona history. Critics have called him short-sighted, intractable, even racist - a charge he vehemently denies. But Pearce also has steadfast supporters. He has never lost an election. | Russell Pearce profile

Jerry Lewis

Jerry Lewis is Mesa Republic who submitted his campaign signatures in August. In doing so, Lewis called SB 1070 a "good start" but said he would tackle illegal immigration somewhat differently. Lewis also said that a District 18 senator should focus on other issues of importance to district voters, particularly the economy and education. | Lewis files

Opinion: Is Russell Pearce getting real?Even if the state's most notorious anti-illegal immigrant activist is kept in office, it will be with a mandate to work at improving Arizona's economic condition. And that would be a most welcome reordering of Russell Pearce's priorities.